Group trek with a local guide: the must-see sights
In summary
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Sports
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Duration10 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationFrench Overseas Territories / Reunion Island
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AgeFrom 18 - 77 years
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CO₂-Emissions139.9 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embarking on a journey across Reunion Island guarantees an exceptional and immersive experience. Designed for experienced hikers , this challenging 10-day trek in a small group takes you to explore the treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage site, led by an expert local guide .
As you progress through the stages, explore the vertiginous ramparts and legendary cirques of Mafate , Cilaos , and Salazie . The diverse scenery is captivating at every turn: from the lush canopies of the Bélouve forest to the lunar landscapes of the high volcanic plateaus. The ascent to the majestic Piton de la Fournaise is one of the highlights of this iconic journey.
This human adventure prioritizes authentic encounters within unspoiled Creole villages . After days of exertion, relaxation awaits thanks to seamless logistics and welcoming accommodations , including three nights in a 3-star hotel . A balanced experience combining personal growth, cultural exchange, and breathtaking landscapes.
The highlights
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Mythical crossing of Reunion Island in 10 days
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Small group with a passionate local guide
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Nature, culture and quality accommodation
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Requires a confirmed level of hiking in the medium mountains (= intended for people in good physical condition and with the ability to hike for several days with stages of 5 to 7 hours of walking in the medium mountains with average elevation gains of +/- 800 meters including 1 stage of 6h30 to 7h30 of walking with elevation gain +500 meters and -1500 meters (ascent of the summit of Piton des Neiges at 3070 meters altitude).
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 816 m
- Average daily descent: 624 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Canyoning
- Average duration/day: 5h
Management
A state-certified mountain guide, Thierry Chambry is a true specialist in the trails of Reunion Island. Arriving on the island in 1999, he quickly developed a deep passion for its unique landscapes and exceptional terrain.
A former top-level athlete in the world of trail running, he notably distinguished himself by his victory in 2007 on the mythical Diagonale des Fous , one of the most demanding and recognized mountain races in the world.
Drawing on his extensive field experience and intimate knowledge of the island, Thierry will guide you in discovering the most beautiful trekking routes on Réunion. Passionate, a skilled instructor, and attentive, he shares his expertise, anecdotes, and love for the region, offering an authentic immersion into the heart of this vibrant island.
State-certified mountaineering guide – Mountain leader (tropical, equatorial and snowy options) – First aid responder PSE1.
Thierry Chambry is a guide passionate about Reunion Island and its exceptional trails. Thanks to his intimate knowledge of the island, he will accompany you on an authentic discovery of Reunion's landscapes, culture, and natural treasures. Attentive to sharing and creating a welcoming atmosphere, he will convey his love for the island while ensuring your safety and the smooth running of your adventure. With him, each step becomes a true immersion in the heart of this vibrant island.
Program
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The group will be met by our local guide at the hotel in the heart of the city center.
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Take advantage of this first day to discover the historic center of Saint-Denis, the capital of Réunion, at your own pace. Thanks to your hotel's ideal location, you can easily explore the city's must-see sights on foot: the famous Rue de Paris with its magnificent Creole houses, the Barachois waterfront, the cosmopolitan shopping street Rue du Maréchal Leclerc, and the Jardin de l'État.
The meeting with your local guide and all participants is scheduled for 6:30 pm in the hotel lobby. A welcome cocktail followed by a convivial dinner will be offered at the hotel. This initial gathering will be an opportunity for your guide to present the route, the highlights of the trek, and any final recommendations before the start of this wonderful Réunion adventure.
Day 1 -
Dos d'Âne > Deux-Bras > Aurère (Cirque de Mafate)
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 70km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 828 m
- Negative elevation 867 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
At 8:00 am, transfer from your hotel to the Creole village of Dos d'Âne, perched at 900 meters altitude on a plateau offering a spectacular view of the majestic Cirque de Mafate.
Before departure, you will entrust your luggage to our driver. You will find it in Cilaos on day 5, after four days of self-supported trekking through Mafate, with only your hiking bag containing the essentials for this immersion in the heart of one of the wildest cirques of Reunion Island.
Accompanied by your local guide, you will begin this first leg of your trek towards the islet of Aurère. The term "islet" refers to a small, isolated plateau in the heart of a rugged landscape. These places, once difficult to access, notably served as a refuge for runaway slaves known as "Maroons."
A beautiful first day of hiking awaits you, amidst breathtaking landscapes, wild trails, and the discovery of Mafate's history. A picnic prepared by your guide is included so you can fully enjoy this immersive experience.
Day 2 -
Aurère > Ilet à Bourse > Grand-Place > Ilet des Orangers (Cirque de Mafate)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you continue your crossing of the Cirque de Mafate by taking the legendary GRR2 trail. This second stage plunges you into the heart of the lower part of the cirque, to discover its most isolated and preserved hamlets.
Your route will take you successively through the islet of Malheurs, the islet of Bourse, then Grand-Place-les-Hauts and Grand-Place, true witnesses to the life of Mafate and the history of these remote villages. You will then descend to the footbridge over the Rivière des Galets before reaching the western rampart of the cirque.
A final climb will lead you to your accommodation, perched on a plateau offering exceptional panoramic views of the majestic Mafate landscape. A day rich in discoveries awaits, between breathtaking scenery, wild trails, and immersion in the unique atmosphere of this cirque inaccessible by road.
A picnic prepared by your local guide is included to fully enjoy this stage.
Day 3 -
Ilet des Orangers > Roche-Plate > Cascade des 3 Roches > Marla (Cirque de Mafate)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 1147 m
- Negative elevation 513 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this third day of crossing the Cirque de Mafate, your guide accompanies you to the islet of Marla, located in the upper part of the cirque, at an altitude of over 1,500 meters.
You will follow the magnificent GRR3 trail, an iconic route that will take you through the hamlet of Roche-Plate, nestled at the foot of the majestic Piton Maïdo. Your journey will then continue to the exceptional natural site of Trois Roches, a must-see in Mafate with its spectacular waterfall plunging into the heart of a unique, rocky landscape. This breathtaking setting will be the perfect place to enjoy your picnic and a well-deserved break.
You will then continue your journey on the GRR3 through the wild terrain of the cirque to reach the charming islet of Marla in the late afternoon, your stop for the night.
A day rich in emotions, between breathtaking panoramas, isolated villages and total immersion in the preserved world of Mafate.
Day 4 -
Marla > ascent of the Col du Taïbit > descent to Cilaos (Cirque de Cilaos)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 784 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this fourth day of trekking, you will leave the Cirque de Mafate following the mythical GRR2 trail towards the Creole village of Cilaos, to discover a new natural jewel of Reunion Island: the spectacular Cirque de Cilaos.
The stage begins with crossing the famous Taïbit pass , an iconic route that marks the natural border between the southern part of Mafate and the Cirque de Cilaos. From this high point, you will enjoy exceptional panoramic views of both cirques before beginning the descent towards Cilaos.
A full picnic lunch prepared by your local guide is planned for this day.
In the afternoon, you'll be delighted to return to the comfort of your 3-star hotel and can enjoy its heated pool for a well-deserved moment of relaxation after four days immersed in the heart of Mafate. You'll also collect your luggage, which you'll keep for the next two stages of the trek.
Day 5 -
Free day in Cilaos with several possible activities
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 513 m
- Negative elevation 513 m
- Activity Canyoning
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This day will allow those less inclined to walk to rest and enjoy the pleasant setting of our 3-star hotel with its spa and heated pool. Our guide will remain available to accompany those who wish to join us on a magnificent day hike to the Chapelle canyon.
You can also visit the village (its covered market, the famous Cilaos wine cellar, the thermal baths, the arts and crafts archipelago, the Mare à Joncs pond and its lake, etc.) and for the more adventurous among you, opt for a thrilling activity like canyoning in Bras-Rouge or Fleurs Jaunes. Guaranteed excitement!
Optional : Canyoning in Bras-Rouge (€70 per person) or canyoning in Fleurs-Jaunes (€75 per person)
Day 6 -
Cilaos > ascent to the Caverne Dufour refuge (Piton des Neiges massif)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 1361 m
- Negative elevation 87 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Your adventure continues on the legendary GRR2 trail, leaving the Cirque de Cilaos to reach the Piton des Neiges massif, an emblematic peak of Reunion Island and the highest point in the Indian Ocean at 3,070 meters altitude.
An ancient volcano, now dormant, Piton des Neiges is responsible for the formation of the island's three major cirques and the spectacular landscapes that make Reunion Island famous.
This stage, marked by its ascent, will gradually lead you to the Caverne Dufour refuge, located at an altitude of 2,479 meters. You will spend the night there in a unique mountain atmosphere, allowing you to rest and recharge before the final climb to the summit, where you'll be able to admire the sunrise.
A picnic lunch prepared by your local guide is included for this day.
Day 7 -
Sunrise at the summit of Piton des Neiges > Descent to the Bélouve gîte
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Accompanied by your local guide, you will leave the refuge in the middle of the night (departure scheduled between 3:00 and 4:30 depending on conditions) to experience one of the highlights of your trek: the ascent of the mythical Piton des Neiges , the highest point in the Indian Ocean with its 3,070 meters of altitude.
The goal of this early morning climb is to reach the summit in time to witness an exceptional natural spectacle: the sunrise from the roof of Reunion Island. A unique moment when the first rays illuminate the island's landscape and reveal a breathtaking panorama of the cirques and the Indian Ocean.
After this magical interlude, you will descend back to the refuge to enjoy a well-deserved breakfast before continuing your journey towards the Bélouve gîte.
You will then take the superb GRR1 trail through the primary forest of Bélouve, a true haven of biodiversity composed of endemic colored trees. The route runs alongside the impressive ramparts of the Cirque de Salazie, the greenest and most lush of the three cirques of Réunion, offering magnificent panoramas throughout the day.
A picnic prepared by your local guide is planned during the hike before your arrival in Bélouve.
Day 8 -
Hike to the Trou de Fer viewpoint and crossing the Plaine des Sables
- Transportation Minibus - 01h15 - 41km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 380 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Our guide is leading us this morning to the viewpoint overlooking the impressive Trou de Fer waterfalls. We're crossing the lush Bélouve rainforest and its unique endemic species in a setting worthy of Jurassic Park!
Picnic lunch upon our return to the Bélouve gîte, followed by a 1:00 PM transfer towards the Volcano Road (where we'll collect our luggage). The road will offer several spectacular panoramic viewpoints before we finish this day's hike at the end of the GRR2 stage leading to the Volcano Gîte, where we'll spend the night. This end of the day is a true highlight of the trip, with the crossing of the extraordinary Plaine des Sables, famous for its lunar landscapes and vast mineral expanses with striking colors, especially at the end of the day!
Day 9 -
Sunrise over the Volcano & "off the beaten track" hike
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 55km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 510 m
- Negative elevation 510 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
To conclude this magnificent adventure, your local guide suggests starting this final day with an exceptional moment: a sunrise overlooking the majestic caldera of Piton de la Fournaise. A unique experience in the heart of breathtaking volcanic landscapes, where the first light reveals the full power of this iconic natural site of Reunion Island.
You will then set off to explore the volcanic enclosure in order to reach the volcano's main crater, taking a more secluded route away from the most frequented trails. Throughout this spectacular hike, your guide will passionately share their knowledge of the island's geological history, volcanic formations, and the secrets of this fascinating place.
This final stage will beautifully conclude your journey across Reunion Island, between cirques, peaks and volcanoes, in the heart of the iconic landscapes of the intense island.
At 2:30 pm, private transfer to your accommodation for the remainder of your stay (to be determined together according to your preferences). Several destinations are possible:
- Saint-Pierre (South)
- Saint-Leu (West)
- Saint-Gilles-les-Bains (West)
- Saint-Denis or Roland Garros airport (supplement of €50 for the North zone)
Day 10
Accommodation
Located in the heights of Îlet des Orangers, in the heart of the legendary Cirque de Mafate, the Gîte du Cirque welcomes you to an exceptional setting, nestled between wild mountains, vertiginous cliffs, and breathtaking panoramas. Accessible only on foot, like all the villages of Mafate, this accommodation offers a true immersion in the unique atmosphere of this protected area.
Located in a quiet and secluded setting, the cottage allows you to fully enjoy disconnecting from the everyday and experiencing the authentic Mafate lifestyle. From the heights of Les Orangers, you can admire magnificent views of the cirque's landscape and appreciate the tranquility of a timeless village, nestled in the heart of Réunion National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The accommodation offers beds suitable for hikers, with simple and welcoming spaces. As in most guesthouses in Mafate, the comfort remains authentic and in harmony with the remote environment. Meals are prepared on-site, providing an opportunity to share a convivial moment enjoying Réunion cuisine with other hikers.
An ideal stop during your crossing of Mafate, to discover Creole hospitality, enjoy spectacular landscapes and fully experience one of the wildest and most emblematic cirques of Reunion Island.
- Mixed shared dormitory
- Double room
Located at an altitude of 1,600 meters, at the foot of the Taïbit pass in the upper part of the Cirque de Mafate, the Fanélie César gîte welcomes you in an authentic setting in the heart of the Réunion mountains.
The accommodation consists of several wooden bungalows with corrugated iron roofs, offering four spacious four-bed dormitories and three double rooms . Bed linen and blankets are provided. However, towels are not available, so you will need to bring your own.
The guesthouse has shared bathrooms with hot water (subject to availability). Electrical outlets are available in the dining room, but there are none in the dormitories, a common constraint in the Cirque de Mafate, an isolated area without road access.
A warm and friendly stop, ideal for fully enjoying the unique atmosphere of this preserved cirque.
Located in the heart of the village of Cilaos, nestled at the foot of the majestic ramparts of the cirque, the Hotel Le Vieux Cep welcomes you in an authentic and warm setting, ideal for a relaxing stopover after your crossing of the Cirque de Mafate.
This charming establishment, surrounded by a magnificent tropical garden, offers a friendly atmosphere blending Creole tradition and comfort. Its tastefully decorated rooms allow guests to enjoy a well-deserved rest while admiring the spectacular landscapes of Cilaos and its surrounding mountains.
Thanks to its privileged location in the center of Cilaos, you can easily discover this iconic village, renowned for its lentils, embroidery, thermal springs and numerous hiking trails.
An ideal address to enjoy a comfortable and authentic break in the heart of one of the three great cirques of Reunion Island.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
The hotel has spaces conducive to relaxation, including a heated swimming pool, a jacuzzi and a garden with trees, perfect for recovering after a day of hiking.
His restaurant offers cuisine with Réunion influences, showcasing local flavors in a pleasant atmosphere.
Located at an altitude of 2,479 meters on the slopes of Piton des Neiges, the Caverne Dufour refuge is an essential stop before climbing to the summit for sunrise. Its exceptional location in the heart of the Réunion mountains offers a true immersion in the atmosphere of a high-altitude refuge.
The refuge has four dormitories equipped with three-tiered bunk beds : two dormitories with 15 beds and two dormitories with 9 beds, for a total capacity of 48 beds. During peak season (May to November), four 8-person bungalow tents can also be set up, providing an additional 32 beds.
Due to its isolation and altitude, the accommodations are simple and authentic. Water is a precious resource at the refuge: it is not potable, but bottled water is available for purchase. Sheets are not provided; therefore, it is essential to bring your own sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner . Blankets are available, but remember to bring warm clothing for the night, as temperatures can be chilly at altitude. Towels are not provided.
The bathrooms are shared by all the dormitories. Electricity, generated by solar panels, is limited: it is not possible to recharge electronic devices (phones, cameras, batteries, etc.). We therefore recommend that you anticipate your needs before arriving at the refuge.
An authentic and unforgettable experience.
Located at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters , in the heart of the magnificent Bélouve forest, the gîte offers a unique immersion in one of the most pristine natural environments on Réunion Island. Situated on a plateau overlooking the majestic Cirque de Salazie , it provides an ideal stopover for hikers crossing the island on the GRR1 trail.
Surrounded by lush vegetation including tamarind trees and native hardwoods , the guesthouse enjoys an exceptional setting, ideal for exploring the rainforest and its iconic landscapes. Several trails lead from the guesthouse, including the Trou de Fer viewpoint, the Tamarind Trail, and the Piton des Neiges via Cap Anglais.
The accommodation offers dormitory-style beds as well as a few double rooms. Sheets and blankets are provided, but towels are not: please bring your own. Bathroom facilities are shared.
As with many mountain accommodations in Reunion Island, certain constraints related to its isolated environment must be taken into account: water may be limited depending on the period, hot water is not always guaranteed and electricity, produced by solar energy, remains limited.
An authentic and welcoming stopover, ideal for fully enjoying the unique atmosphere of the Eastern Highlands and surrounding areas.
Located at an altitude of 2,200 meters, in the heart of the volcanic landscapes of the Piton de la Fournaise massif, the Gîte du Volcan is an essential stop for hikers wishing to experience a unique immersion close to one of the world's most active volcanoes. Situated just a few hundred meters from the Pas de Bellecombe, the starting point for the volcanic caldera, it offers a prime location for discovering the lunar landscapes of the Plaine des Sables and the volcano.
This mountain lodge offers simple and authentic accommodation, perfectly suited to nature lovers and hikers. It has various types of sleeping arrangements, including dormitories, shared rooms, and rooms with private bathrooms. Beds are equipped with sheets and blankets. However, towels are not provided: please remember to bring your own.
Due to its isolated high-altitude location, certain constraints must be considered to preserve this exceptional setting. Water is collected from rainwater and its availability can vary depending on the season. Hot water is not guaranteed, as the system relies on solar energy. Electricity is also generated by solar panels and is limited: charging your devices is only possible between 5 pm and 9 pm.
The gîte also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a friendly meal after a day of hiking, avle.
Access
Optional: Airport welcome + private transfer from the airport to your hotel in a chauffeured tourist vehicle (€50 for 1 to 3 people or €60 for a group transfer of 4 to 7 people) - quote on request.
At the end of your trek to the volcano at 2:30 pm: private transfer to your place of continuation of stay (to be defined together if desired) with 4 possible stops: Saint-Pierre (South) / Saint-Leu (West) / Saint-Gilles-les-Bains (West) / Saint-Denis or Roland Garros airport (with a supplement of €50 for the North zone).
Go to the starting point
Your journey begins with an overnight flight from mainland France, usually via Paris, to Saint-Denis-de-La Réunion (Roland Garros Airport) .
Several airlines offer regular direct flights between Paris and Reunion Island:
- Air France : direct flights departing from Paris-Orly or Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
- Air Austral : direct flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, with the possibility of pre-flight connections by TGV Air from several regional stations.
- Corsair : direct flights from Paris-Orly, with also direct connections from Lyon and Marseille on certain days of the week.
- French bee : low-cost airline, subsidiary of the Air Caraïbes group, offering daily direct flights from Paris-Orly.
International flights must be booked directly by you (not included). We recommend choosing a flight arriving in Reunion in the morning to fully enjoy your first day on the island and to facilitate the organization of the start of your trek.
Price details
The price includes
- The professional local guide for mid-mountain trekking in tropical environments,
- 3 nights in a charming 3-star hotel with half-board (dinner and breakfast included),
- 6 nights in a gîte or mountain refuge with half-board,
- 8 full picnic lunches during the trek.
- Private transfers in a chauffeured tourist vehicle at the start of the Trek (day 2), from Bélouve to the GRR2 trail on the Volcano road (day 9), at the end of the Trek to your accommodation (day 10),
- Luggage storage with transport of your luggage to key stages (2 nights in Cilaos + Bélouve/Volcano) for a maximum of 4 consecutive days of carrying your hiking backpack,
- You will receive a personalized roadbook detailing the different stages, useful information for preparing your luggage, and contact details for your local guide and our drivers.
- 24/7 local assistance from your dedicated local agent throughout your stay.
- Tourist taxes in each accommodation
The price does not include
- Plane tickets
- Lunch on day 6 (free day in Cilaos),
- The supplement for a single private room for 3 nights in a hotel (+€180 for 3 nights),
- Options, extras or personal expenses,
Options
- Airport transfer : CHF45.74 / reservation
- Airport transfer : CHF54.89 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of telescopic poles (highly recommended): makes ascents and descents easier and is very useful for navigating rough or slippery terrain
- 1 water bottle or hydration pack (minimum 1.5 liters per person in the southern winter and up to 3 liters in the southern summer for an uphill stage)
- 1 headlamp (essential for climbing Piton des Neiges in the early morning) with spare batteries
- 1 pocket knife (to be placed in checked baggage)
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money in
- Toiletries: choose biodegradable products if possible / Sunscreen + lip balm
- 1 bath towel (preferably choose a quick-drying towel)
- Earplugs (optional but can be appreciated in case of snoring from your dorm neighbors)
- Tissues
- Bags for rubbish
- Bring a sleeping bag liner (+ warm clothes) or light sleeping bag to sleep at the Piton des Neiges gîte (blankets are available but not necessarily clean sheets).
Recommended pharmacy:
- Your usual medications, painkillers, anti-diarrheal medication, Biafine, anti-inflammatory ointment, and Compeed blister plasters.
- Elastic adhesive bandage (6 cm wide), sets of adhesive dressings + disinfectant compresses
- Effective mosquito repellent in tropical areas (even though mosquitoes are quite rare in the "Highlands").
Clothing to bring
- 1 sun hat or cap
- T-shirts (1 per day of walking, or a maximum of 3-4 if you wish to hand wash them, keeping in mind that they dry well in the morning sun but not so much at night due to the high humidity). Avoid cotton, which takes a very long time to dry; opt for short-sleeved t-shirts made of breathable fabric.
- 1 or 2 base layers (same remarks as above)
- 1 fleece fur jacket)
- 1 or 2 pairs of wide and comfortable capri pants, shorts or trekking trousers
- 1 pair of soft, comfortable trousers for evenings at the gîte, ➢ 1 simple, lightweight Gore-tex style jacket
- 1 rain cape (optional during the dry season from May to October)
- 1 swimsuit (if you wish to swim in the freshwater pools)
- Underwear
- Hiking socks (ideally one pair per day of hiking, unless you hand wash your socks at the gîte). Avoid "tennis" type socks (cotton), which take a very long time to dry and have a high risk of blisters.
- 1 pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support (or trail running shoes if you are used to hiking in medium-altitude mountains)
- 1 pair of lightweight hiking sandals (if desired – not essential but may be useful for river crossings)
- 1 pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for the evening
We recommend you bring two pieces of luggage per person/couple: one hiking backpack to carry during your trek (one backpack per person, 40 or 50 liters or more, weighing approximately 9 to 11 kg per person once packed, depending on whether you include the weight of water in your bottles/hydration packs) and a second piece of luggage (suitcase, etc.) for storing spare clothes, which will be looked after throughout your stay by your private driver (if desired). We advise you to clearly label this second piece of luggage, called your "follower bag," with your first and last name so that it can be easily identified during each transfer.
Weather conditions on Réunion Island can be highly variable and sometimes extreme: violent tropical rains, cold temperatures as low as 2,500 meters, the possibility of frost year-round, and wind that makes it feel even colder. An effective raincoat, a rain cover for your backpack, and warm clothing (fleece, gloves, hat) are essential, especially for the Piton des Neiges. The trails are often steep, with many uneven steps: hiking poles are highly recommended for comfort and balance. Despite these challenges, the sun can be intense, particularly on the volcano where there is no shade.
The Clément - Expert Trek & Trail team
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